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DPL High Desert Gardening

Updated April 2025 Gardeners in Central Oregon face multiple challenges: cold winters; a short growing season; low humidity; and hot summer days along with cool nights. Some even say that "to garden in Central Oregon, you need to be willing to take a pile of money and set it on fire." Learn how to extend the growing season, conserve water, and choose plants adapted to our climate with these resources. In order by topic with websites first.

Deschutes Public Library

50 items

  • Whether you are an experienced gardener or a newcomer to the high desert of Central Oregon, learning how to successfully garden here can be an exciting challenge. By adopting the seven steps of xeriscaping, from design - to ongoing…
    Book[Corvallis, Oregon] : Oregon State University, Extension Service, 2017. — HOME & GARDEN / GARDENING / 635.09795 DETWEILER AMY
  • This book is written with the intent to guide novice and experienced gardeners who are new to the challenges of gardening on the High Desert of Central Oregon.
    Book[Prineville, Or.] : [L S Gardens], 2019. — HOME & GARDEN / GARDENING / 635.9 STEPHENSON LINDA
  • Explore the delicate and beautiful world of butterflies with Amanda Egertson, Stewardship Director of the Deschutes Land Trust. Amanda discusses the vibrant diversity of butterflies in our area and how to identify them, as well as their…
    Streaming VideoBend, Oregon : YouTube [Host], 2020.
  • 55 Myths, Tips & Secrets

    Bend's Essential Guide to Landscaping

    Swisher, Fred
    Includes direct answers to the questions and issues often asked about and the problems (big and small) that most need solving in landscaping projects in Central Oregon.
    BookBend, Oregon : Incubation Press, 2007. — HOME & GARDEN / GARDENING / 635.9 SWISHER FRED
  • Cacti & Succulents for Cold Climates

    274 Outstanding Species for Challenging Conditions

    Chance, Leo J.
    Contains photo-illustrated tips for cacti and succulent care, covering pot planting, watering, feeding, light, propagation, display, and pests and diseases, as well as popular varieties.
    BookPortland : Timber Press, 2012. — HOME & GARDEN / GARDENING / 635.9525 CHANCE LEO
  • Dry Climate Gardening

    Growing Beautiful, Sustainable Gardens in Low-water Conditions

    Johnson, Noelle (Horticulturist)
    Dry Climate Gardening shows gardeners in arid climates how to create a low-water landscape that's vibrant and colorful with lots of texture and interest.
    BookBeverly, MA, USA : Cool Springs Press, an imprint of The Quarto Group, 2023. — HOME & GARDEN / GARDENING / 635.9525 JOHNSON NOELLE
  • Gardening in Summer-dry Climates

    Plants for a Lush, Water-conscious Landscapes

    Harlow, Nora
    A landscape architect provides detailed information for gardeners looking to plant and maintain a lush and colorful garden that can flourish in summer droughts and wet winters and includes an A-Z list of appropriate plants.
    BookPortland, Oregon : Timber Press, Incorporated, 2020. — HOME & GARDEN / GARDENING / 635.9 HARLOW NORA
  • Expert plantsman and Northwest native Paul Bonine knows all the insider tips for growing a spectacular garden in our region -- on both sides of the mountains. Filled with essential advice for distinct ecoregions in Oregon, Washington, and…
    BookPortland, OR : Timber Press, 2017. — HOME & GARDEN / GARDENING / 635.09795 BONINE PAUL
  • With enthusiasm, easy wit, and expert knowledge, renowned botanist Art Kruckeberg and horticulturist Linda Chalker-Scott show Northwest gardeners, from novice to expert, how to imagine and realize their perfect sustainable landscape.
    BookSeattle : University of Washington Press, [2019] — HOME & GARDEN / GARDENING / 635.9676 KRUCKEBER ARTHUR
  • The Water-smart Garden

    Techniques and Strategies for Conserving, Capturing, and Efficiently Using Water in Today's Climate... and Tomorrow's

    Johnson, Noelle
    In this book, you'll learn dozens of techniques to limit water use in the landscape, no matter where you live. From making wise plant choices and harvesting and redistributing rainwater to employing methods like ollas and drip irrigation…
    BookBeverly, MA : Cool Springs Press, 2025. — HOME & GARDEN / GARDENING / 635.9525 JOHNSON NOELLE
  • This book guides you through different styles of landscaping, introduces you to uniquely drought-tolerant plants, and provides solutions for even the trickiest terrains.
    BookNewark : John Wiley and Sons, Incorporated, 2023. — HOME & GARDEN / GARDENING / 635.9525 CHACE TERI
  • Waterwise Plants for Sustainable Gardens

    200 Drought-tolerant Choices for All Climates

    Ogden, Lauren Springer
    A practical guide to the best 200 plants guaranteed to thrive in low-water gardens.
    BookPortland, Or. : Timber Press, 2011. — 635.9525 Ogden
  • Fire-resistant Plants for Home Landscapes

    Reduce Wildfire Risk With Proper Plant Selection and Placement

    Detweiler, Amy Jo
    Learn about more than 150 plants that are safe for fire-wise landscapes. Plant lists feature size, habitat requirements and attractiveness to pollinators.
    Book[Corvallis, Or.] : Oregon State University Extension Service ; [Pullman, Wash.] : Washington State University Extension ; [Moscow, Idaho] : University of Idaho Cooperative Extension System ; [Washington, D.C.] : U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, [2023] — HOME & GARDEN / GARDENING / 635.09795 DETWEILER AMY
  • Firescaping

    Protecting Your Home With a Fire-resistant Landscape

    Kent, Douglas (Douglas K.)
    If you live in an area at risk, this book can help to prepare you and give you peace of mind.
    BookBirmingham, AL : Wilderness Press, 2019. — HOME & GARDEN / GARDENING / 635.95 KENT DOUGLAS
  • Firescaping Your Home

    a Manual for Readiness in Wildfire Country

    Edwards, Adrienne L.
    This book empowers readers to evaluate fire risks on their own property and take simple, actionable steps to mitigate them. It includes specific recommendations, examples, and resources for planting and maintenance, making it an essential…
    BookPortland, Oregon : Timber Press, 2023. — HOME & GARDEN / GARDENING / 635.95097 EDWARDS ADRIENNE
  • Container Gardening

    the Permaculture Way ; Sustainably Grow Vegetables and More in Your Small Space

    Tsimba, Valéry
    Based on the author's own experience growing a lush permaculture garden on her balcony, this book teaches anyone, anywhere to grow fresh, healthy produce in containers, free of chemical fertilizers or insecticides.
    BookNew York, NY : The Experiment, 2024. — HOME & GARDEN / GARDENING / 635.986 TSIMBA VALERY
  • Grow Containers

    Essential Know-how and Expert Advice for Gardening Success

    Stebbings, Geoff
    Even if you only have a balcony or small patio, you can grow more than you ever thought possible in pots, wall planters, and hanging baskets! This is your no-fuss guide to container gardening.
    BookNew York, NY : DK, 2021. — HOME & GARDEN / GARDENING / 635.986 STEBBINGS GEOFF